Huami Magazine Hampton Roads July/August 2020

HAMPTON ROADS

®

July/August 2020 Vol. 1 Issue 6 FREE

Sweat Realty Group, LLC Hampton Roads - July/August 2020

HuamiMagazine.com

1

Listen To Every Episode On The Following Platforms

www.mykelmedia.com

www.thisiswhoiam.libsyn.com

Hampton Roads Advertise in Huami Magazine

www.huamimagazine.com

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

God is Still God, As The World Continues To Turn

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter the Editor A Letter From from The Editor A Letter the Editor What in from the world is going on? We are more than halfway What if tomorrow didn’tlike arrive?

All of your hopes through the year and it feels its already beenplans, twelve and dreams have a started street to2021. park Ion. What months, and wewouldn’t have possibly didn’t seeifthis everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t arrive?

All of your plans, hopes coming. happened? would beano reason to save a rainy and dreams There wouldn’t have street to park on. for What if day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never My plans were to launch a few new ideas this year, become promises. What if would your last expired happened? be aopportunity no reason toseemingly save for athose rainy more physicallyThere fit, and travel whole lot.

However, today?

What wouldspare you do? day, and you could someone the trouble of making were my plans and my plans do not mean a thing if they aren’t promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired discussed, approved, confirmed, and verified first by God. I’ve been that I often today?

Whattold would you do? seem like I do too much.

Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm And so here I am in July and none of my plans have on me believer in knowing that God seem wouldn’t I’ve been told that I often like put I do anything too much. happened.

I am suffering from the quarantine fifteen, (fifteen that I couldn’t handle.

I sometimes wonder how would Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’mlife a firm pounds weight gained asGod aaccept result of noput a I be if Iof chose to sit idle and what itexercising presented to believer in knowing that wouldn’t anythingand onme. me whole lot of bad eating).

Like many small business owners, haveI found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity that couldn’t handle.

I sometimes wonder how life would I’vebe been forced to think on fly adjust how I do business is aifblessing that to what everyone.

A challenge I chose to sitisn’t idle afforded and accept it presented to me. I andhave to be stay afloat.

ThisIn ismy unfortunately an tomake mefound ischanges an adventure.

What is the worst that can opportunity happen? that to very boring. opinion, uncomfortable new normal.

Isn’t that like God, making us If aI do nothing, if I try to I don’t, but instead learn is blessing thatI fail, isn’tand afforded everyone.

A challenge uncomfortable when He myself. isWhat trying to change our can course andin something new about your pride and to me is an adventure. is Relinquish the worst that happen? prepare us for growth. return acquire life.

If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in And if the Corona wasn’t our country appears The best advice ever given toenough, me happened when someone return acquire life.virus to be caught the middle of a civil war, with the In underlying told me toin make my tomorrow happen today. doing so reasons our discourse beingtoone that has aexisted for I have pressed myever way given through doors with key that only Thefor best advice me happened when someone hopeme provided.

Imy have also learned difference between centuries.

Racial discrimination.

Ihappen am the verytoday. encouraged to so see told to make tomorrow In doing blesses me with and what life can with theIwhat protests that have taken place around the world.

These haveGod pressed my way through doors with a burden key thatme only as well.

I compare it to knowing when to be confident and hope provided.

I have also learned the difference between actions echo a resounding message that racial discrimination whenlife be acceptable. quiet, whatanyone, God blesses mewhite, with and what can burdenbecause me with against black, or brown istonot I am someone may get it confused as well.

I compare it to knowing when to be confident and also inspired to see other races who have joined the fight to with being to bearrogant. quiet, because help spread the Black Lives Matterwhen message. someone may get it confused Make youarrogant. tomorrow being Forwith me personally, Black Lives happen today, butalways most Matter, and they have importantly make it count.

Make tomorrow mattered.

Asyou a black man who Life is but a whisper and happen today, but most has lived in America my entire we must putmake ourselves in a importantly count. life, I have my very ownitblack position toa hear what it is Life is but whisper and experience, and it hasn’t always telling us.put ourselves in a must been awe pleasant one. I am a huge position to hear what it is supporter for change, especially telling us. for Black people. We must all use Terry L. Watson our voices and speak up, because Editor/Founder saying nothing is unacceptable.

www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief

Terry L. Watson www.huamimagazine.com Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Editor In Chief

www.huamimagazine.com TerryWriters L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Tonya Dixon Editor

Terry L Watson Terry L. WatsonPublisher

Writers Alana Allen Tonya JeuronDixon Dove Writer Dawn C. Thornton Terry L. Watson Junious Smith

Alana Allen Writer Photographers Terry L.Perfect Watson Photography Jeuron Dove Writer Lenz Shaw Photography Group Photographers AshleighStill Crawley Shots Photography Tamara Smith Photographer Perfect Lenz Photography Who Shotya Photography JLG Photography Photographer Shaw Photography Group Still ShotsLayout Photography Who Photography MykelShotya Media Company Linda Bennett Layout Howard Gaither Photography

Mykel Media Inquiries Company General mykelmedia@yahoo.com Linda Bennett huami.hamptonroads@gmail.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the mykelmedia@yahoo.com Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any 340-7844 portion of (336) this publication is prohibited without

written MAGAZINE permission isfrom the publisher to HUAMI published quarterly prior by the doing so.

Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility Mykel Media Company.

Any reproduction of any for statements by individuals featured or portion of this made publication is prohibited without advertisers.

Comments concerning this publication written permission from the publisher prior to be Media submitted to the editorresponsibility by doing so. may Mykel doesn’t accept Email or Telephone E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com for statements made Email by individuals featured or terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com advertisers. Comments concerning this publication 336-340-7844 or toto the editor by may be submitted Mykel Media Company, LLC E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com P.O. Box 20102 terry.editor@yahoo.com Greensboro, or toNC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE Mykel Company, LLC 2014 Media All Rights Reserved Box 20102 2020P.O. All Rights Reserved Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

HuamiMagazine.com

Want To Advdertise?

Terry L. Watson Please call Photography 336-340-7844 Photo by Shaw Group Editor/Founder November/December 2014 Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844 Terry L. Watson

HuamiMagazine.com

November/December 2014

On The Cover

4 4

4

HuamiMagazine.com

Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844

Hampton Roads - July/August 2020

HAMPTON ROADS

CONTENTS

JULY/AUGUST 2020

08

Helena’s Collection

April Roache

6

On The Cover

Gullah Cooking

Chef Carlos Brown

Fashionably Unique

Angelique Walker

12

Go Hard Performance Systems

LeRone “Roc” Gray

Scars Uncovered

Andrea Pitts

14

20

Also Featured

Javan Posey His skills have been proven and he is cutting at the next level.

Greenville, SC

24

Monica Moyer MoeJoe’s Sweet Treats has moved to Archdale Bakery.

Archdale, NC

26

Hampton Roads - July/August 2020

Braxton Langston Moore He is the cutest, and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.

HuamiMagazine.com

19 5

Sweat Realty Group, LLC

6

HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - July/August 2020

“We focus on getting sellers the best value for their home. We focus on ensuring that our buyers are not rushed through their home ownership process. We are here to serve.”

By Terry L. Watson Photos by LaToya Ackins-Sweat LaToya Ackins-Sweat leads Sweat Realty Group LLC, one of the premier real estate firms in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. They are a dynamic team that is eager to help make your home-ownership and property dreams come to life. She is a natural go-getter and works diligiently to make those around her just as successful.

LaToya shares that at Sweat Realty Group, LLC “Your Satisfaction Is Our Greatest Reward”. “Our experienced Real Estate Agents implement ethical practices daily to best serve our clients and our communities. We offer a valuable and educational real estate experience that is professional, personal, and sincere. We care about you,” she says.

Sweat Realty Group, LLC agents pride themselves in providing sellers with the absolute best home selling experience and buyers with the absolute best home buying experience. “We focus on getting sellers the best value for their home. We focus on ensuring that our buyers are not rushed through their home ownership process. We are here to serve,” LaToya shares.

She has been in the real estate industry since 2008. Many years later she made the decision to study to become a Real Estate Broker, after encouragement from a friend. After experiencing oppression from a previous company, looking at the calculations of how much that company was profiting from her work, her husband encouraged her to eliminate fear and do what she always wanted to do and that was to start her own firm.

Hampton Roads - July/August 2020

HuamiMagazine.com

77

“My family is my motivation and my reasons why.

They are the reasons why we go hard.”

Today, LaToya is one of the Tidewater’s most top brokers. LaToya works with a wide range of clients scaling from investors, first time home buyers, single families, and potential investors. Known for her industry knowledge, compassion, and determination, she is committed to making the transaction process as simplistic as it possibly can be.

LaToya is a military veteran and former Military Police Officer. That may explain why she is so disciplined and organized.

Backed by over 15 years of industry knowledge, she is the heartbeat of Sweat Realty Group.

LaToya is also passionate about her non-profit organization, Sweating For The Cause, which aids in the rehabilitation of the elder community members by providing housing renovations and financial assistance.

LaToya says she is inspired her two children. “My family is my motivation and my reasons why. They are the reasons why we go hard. I also find inspiration in helping my family and others ,” she says.

The future looks very bright for LaToya and Sweat Realty Group LLC. To learn more about them, please contact them today.

Sweat Realty Group, LLC Two Locations To Serve You

213 N. Main Street Franklin, VA 23851 757-304-5950 8

13478 Carrollton Blvd., Q1 Carrollton, Virginia 757-745-7300

ww.sweatrealtygroupllc.com Hampton Roads - July/August 2020

HuamiMagazine.com

9

The Black Belt Soap Company

11

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by JLG Photography

The best thing we can all do, in today’s emotional climate, is take care of ourselves. When jobs (or the lack of one), bills, children, significant others, and the threat of contracting a potentially deadly illness is at the forefront of most people’s thoughts, health and wellness should be also.

Temeka Carter is an advocate of caring for your body, inside and out. During a visit to a luxury hotel in Biloxi, Mississippi several years ago, she was introduced to seaweed soap, and immediately fell in love. “For the first time in my life, I had an Herbal Essence experience in the shower. The seaweed soap was so silky with rich lather that I just kept going on and on about how amazing it was.” That moment sparked Carter’s obsession for natural soaps and she found herself purchasing them everywhere she went.

Still intrigued, she decided to try her hand at making them on her own. She was able to convince a friend to try the process with her and they both made an olive oil castile soap. Carter wanted to take it a step further and enrolled in a class on how to effectively make the product, then gifted them to her family and friends as gifts. “It wasn’t until I gave the soap to my family, that my grandmother told me that my greatgrandmother, who lived to be 100, also made soap in her day. So, when I make a batch, I feel a special connection to her,” says Carter.

In 2014, Carter was faced with the most devastating reality of her life – losing her only child. Making it through that experience opened her eyes wide and forced her to realize how short life is. She promised herself that she would do anything and everything she ever dreamed of doing, and owning a business was one of them.

In 2015, after much practice and research, The Black Belt Soap Company was launched. Those who hear about the company initially think the name is martial arts related, but it’s far from that. “I have this little corny joke that I tell people, ‘It’s not martial arts related, but we do make kick-ass products!” she laughs.

Carter hails from Sumter County, Alabama, 45 minutes south of Tuscaloosa, where The University of Alabama is located. The county, along with about 17 other counties, make up a region called ‘The Black Belt’ due to its rich black topsoil, an ingredient known for producing the best cotton. Subsequently, cotton is the company’s logo.

www.theblackbeltsoapco.com 12

The Alabama native considers her company a social enterprise. She plans on giving back to the African American community, especially within the Black Belt region, which is very poor, lacking adequate jobs, has failing school systems, and everything else that comes with poverty. A few years ago, Carter helped sponsor an all-expense paid trip for African American students

to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, in Washington, D.C. In the coming years, she plans on creating more of those same opportunities, to expose students to moments outside of their normal lives.

Carter, who is also a college professor at N.C. A&T State University is creating an affiliate program with The Black Belt Soap Company, to allow others to generate income by selling her products. She ultimately wants to build a healing community space, in honor of her daughter Chloe, that helps people Cultivate Health, Love, Opportunity, and Education.

As a professor in the Department of Liberal Studies, teaching African American and Women’s Studies courses, she is constantly encouraging her students to be entrepreneurial. She touches on the lack of opportunities for women and minorities in this country. “The only way to break the economic glass ceiling is to own your own business and diversify your income. So we talk about social disparities and work to create solutions.” Carter has a bachelor’s degree in English and political science, a master’s degree in English and African American Studies (graduating #1 in her class), and a Ph.D. in English, Rhetoric and Composition, with a postbaccalaureate degree in Women’s and Gender Studies.

Since starting the company, Carter enjoyed traveling to trade shows and presenting and selling her products across the country, but since the current health pandemic has halted that, her online sells have increased exponentially. Her bestselling soaps include her Green Tea, Lemongrass, & Honey, a Cucumber Aloe Mint, and Banana Bread, made from fresh pureed bananas, almond, cinnamon, and honey.

She creates countless soap variations infusing coffee, tea, local goat milk, beer, and fresh herbs from her garden. Many attest that her Revive: Hydrating Skin Repair Serum has helped improve crow’s feet, dark blemishes, acne scars and razor bumps.

“Each month I make different types of soap, mainly using fresh, local ingredients. Sometimes, I get specific requests, which allows me to make customized soap loaves for my clients.” Carter has been invited to share her love for self-care and educate children by conducting specialized workshops at summer camps to teach them about living healthy, utilizing essential oils, and cleaning with non-toxic products.

Carter’s ultimate goal is to scale her company and become a household brand that customers can trust. The Black Belt Soap Company was selected as a local maker for West Elm stores in North Carolina. It was also selected to take part in eBay’s Retail Revival, a program that trains local business owners in different cities to sell their products in a global marketplace. Her products are located in Elements (in N.C. A&T’s Student Union Center), Green Hill Center for NC Artists, and will soon be in other markets.

“Each month I make different types of soap, mainly using fresh, local ingredients. Sometimes, I get specific requests, which allows me to make customized soap loaves for my clients.”

Continued on the next page

She wants to help people love the skin they’re in. Regardless of skin tone, race, or gender, using great products can help achieve that. h

13

Sam Hina Hina Visuals

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Sam Hina Sam Hina plainly put is an artist. Since he was a little kid living in the Southside of Savannah, he possessed the ability and desire to create.

That creativity often came to Sam in the form of drawing, but as he got older, he realized that his creativity intuition went beyond just pen and paper. Over the years, he has developed skills in many different art forms, all of which he has been able to forge into his brand, Hina Visuals.

Hina Visuals specializes in photography, but also offers video content/direction for personal brands and businesses. Launched in 2017, Sam says he loves the process of creating the art, sometimes more than the art itself. “Brainstorming concepts, building sets and experimenting with lighting are all parts of process that I like to see come together and make what I do so enjoyable,” he shares.

“Everything inspires me when in comes to creating. Colors, animals, pop culture, social and political issues, etc. I literally pull from everything.”

Sam shares that his life and career has been greatly impacted by Terrius Mykel, an Atlanta based music video director. “In 2014 we connected in college and became good friends and he has mentored me ever since. Working with him helped to propel me past a lot of creatives who have been in the game years, and in a much shorter amount of time,” he says.

In the future, Sam plans to take his brand to new heights, and produce more challenging productions. “I want to keep expanding my clientele and eventually add a space and platform for creatives to create and display their work,” says Sam. Be on the lookout for this talent. He is sure to be doing some fascinating things.

Sam Hina Hina Visuals 678-643-6097 15

16

HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - July/August 2020

By Laci Ollison Photos by Henry Caldwell

Henry L. Caldwell III, is a businessman’s businessman. He and his team knows what it takes to grow your business.

He knows that first impressions make lasting impressions. With his dream team, CTO-Charles Gill and CMO-Michael Bailey, their combined knowledge of web design, telecommunication, marketing and customer service, they’ve created ProBizCa, an all-in-one Professional Business Card Digital Hub.

ProBizCa allows you to place your business and brand in the palm of your Customers hand to instantly engage, communicate, transact, plus save you time and money!

Finally the business card has moved into the 21st century. “Today’s business card is tomorrow’s trash,” they like to say.

ProBizCa, short for Professional Business Card, is a digital business card that list more than your name address and phone number. Most importantly, it won’t end up in tomorrow’s trash. Delivered by your smart phone, the owner of a ProBizCa Digital Business Card, can deliver every facet of their business to a potential client’s cell phone.

Conveniently, it does not require an app to download.

Let’s take Get Organized By Key for example. Keokuk, provides home organization services, staging, moving and notary services.

She is also a fitness instructor. Keokuk, wants her potential clients to see before and after pictures to get a feel for her work and she utilizes different order forms for the different services she provides. How can she communicate everything she does and provide the customer with a visual of all she can do, with a single business card? You can’t.

“A business card has a front and a back,” says Henry. “How can you communicate what you do on a two-by-three-and-one-half inch card? If your business card is your real estate, it’s insufficient. ProBizCa allows the business owner to showcase all of his or her products and services by QR code, text message or email.”

“It’s only two sides you can use with a business card, and that’s front and back. How can I communicate with you about what I do with a 2 x 3.5 card as your real estate, that’s too small”.

Continued on the next page

17

Do you have videos to share? Pictures?

Documents? Do you want a potential client to have a look at your product? Your procedures? How about directions to your business location? All of this can be integrated on your ProBizCa digital business card. Everything and anything you want to share with a potential or regular client, ProBizCa can do. ProBizCa, also has built in features for coupons, loyalty programs and affiliate programs.

ProBizCa will grow your business. Henry Caldwell will make sure of it.

“Letting us do what we do best, allows you to focus on what you do best. Together, we’ll show your company in its best light.”

Henry, grew up in a family where owning your own business was second nature. He remembers helping his father when he was not quite a teenager, install plastic slip covering on furniture. (Remember that? Yes, Henry is in his late fifties). It was engrained in him that owning a business is not just selling something to someone, it’s developing a relationship with your customer and creating business alliances.

It is not unusual for Henry, to be the go-to person. If someone needs work done, Henry is their first call. “If we can’t do it, I know somebody who can. Working with me is working with a network of other capable business men and women.” Henry is one of those rare businessmen whose passion is to see everyone’s business succeed.

When the Chicago native isn’t working, he enjoys swimming, racquet ball, tennis, golf and bowling. Henry lives in Arlington, Texas with his wife of thirty-eight years. He is the father of three adult children and the proud backgammon king in his household. He also enjoys scrabble, puzzle games, and the television show Survivor.

“Why Survivor?” we asked. “Because it all about relationships.” See, that’s what we mean, he’s a businessman’s businessman.

Create Share Grow 1-888-506-0418 www.ProBizCa.com

Caldwell hopes to inspire others to chase their passion. “You have to believe in yourself,” he states. “You have to have faith in yourself even when no one else will.”

The mantra he lives by is, “Laziness pays off now, but hard work pays off in the future.” h

Hampton Roads - July/August 2020

HuamiMagazine.com

19

Goal Babe

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Jalisa Ranae If you don’t have goals set for your life, then what are you waiting for?

Jalisa Ranea of Nashville, TN is the owner and founder of Goal Babe LLC. She has built her brand and business around helping others to establish goals for themselves and to understand the importance of having them. “We understand that each woman is uniquely different and we want to celebrate those differences. The Goal Babe brand is a lifestyle, a continuous journey. Each day is another opportunity to accomplish one more goal, or simply taking another step in the right direction; we’re here to encourage you. Being a Goal Babe is about building a community where women can come together to support, inspire, and encourage,” Jalisa shares.

Jalisa is a mother, friend, sister, and all around business woman. She is also ambitious, and highly blessed. “I am a true ‘Goal Babe’. I am originally from Lansing, MI, but moved around my entire life. In doing so, that afforded me with the opportunity to explore and experience a lot of different things,” she shares.

Being a mother of three, Jalisa shares that is her most favorite role outside of being a businesswoman.

“The idea of Goal Babe actually was a vision given to me by God. I established my business in March 2020 by launching my flagship product and explaining what it is I do for women. God wants me to help women reach their higher selves. What better way to do that than with goal setting? Goal Babe was started to help women achieve their goals,” she shares.

One of the primary objectives of Goal Babe is to provide resources for women who have the desire to achieve their goals. One of its products, “A total guide to becoming a GOAL BABE” is a journal that has helped women remain accountable while remaining focused and encouraged. There is also a free, seven day mini journal that tackles positive mindfulness specifically.

There is a newly launched coaching program that is created for women who may need some additional one on one support.

The opportunity to connect with other women like herself is what Jalisa says she loves most about her business. “I want for everyone that I connect with to become successful. It brings me so much joy and happiness when women tell me how one of my products helped them towards achieving their goal. That is confirmation that my efforts are working,” she shared.

Moving forward, Jalisa focus for Goal Babe is to plan events and produce more products. Her goal is to eventually travel the world and mentor other women and help them to become Goal Babes.

www.goalbabe.com 21

48 Years of Marriage HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - July/August 2020

By Terry L. Watson Photos by JLG Photography They are a great example of what Black Love looks like. Warren and Barbara Hendrix have been married for 48 years.

The couple grew up together in a small country community in the city of Lenoir, NC. Warren was a few years older than Barbara and she did not pay any attention to him because he was friends with Barbara’s oldest sister.

Before marrying, they were engaged for eight months. Their union has produced three children, Warren Elliott, Erika, and Brian and three Grandchildren.

Warren explains his approach. “I was friends with her oldest sister and I noticed one of the youngest sisters was very pretty. After a year of college at North Carolina Central University in Durham I was drafted to serve our country. I chose the Air Force. I had gone through basic training and had orders to go over seas to Vietnam. We did not connect until I was about to get out of service. I came home one Christmas before my last tour and she had changed. She was very pretty and full blossomed. I was very attracted to her but I was a little shy and not sure if I wanted to start a relationship because so many soldiers I knew did not or were not returning home. As it got closer to my time to return back to the States, I began to write her letters and some time she would respond and some times she did not. When I returned we started dating and I showed her what she meant to me and I wanted her to be my soulmate. We always loved to dance and make time for each other. No matter what others were doing and whatever the popular things were going on, we stayed connected. We came from Godly families. However, when we first got married we did what we wanted to do and we did not always put God first but we learned in our errors. We had our ups and downs but we made the choice to make it work. As we got older, we prayed more for our family and the world. We pray every morning and during the day, as well as read our bible together. With Christ we can do all things,” he says.

Here is Barbara version of how their love came about. “I knew of Warren because he was friend’s to my oldest sister. I did not pay him any attention because he was a little older than I. I notice him after he went to college and retuned home because he was drafted to service. He called me little girl and I called him old man. A couple of years went by and I went to a house party. He was there and I asked him to please give me a ride home. He said okay and dropped me off at home and I did not expect to here from him anymore. A couple of days went by and he called and asked to go out on a date, and I said yes. He took me fishing and hunting. I could already shoot a rifle because our father had all girls and one son and he wanted us to be able to take care of ourselves. He was

a gentlemen as my father, I noticed he was caring and protective. He opened the door for me and was and polite. His shoes was shinning as my father and well dressed as my father and he had the best smelling cologne. Eight months later we were engaged. But that took a different spend. I rushed home to tell my parents and my mother commented on the ring in the same breath she said “let me have it”. My momma wanted to talk to him because I belonged to her until I was married she told. I was so nervous to tell him because I did not know what he would do or think. I called and explained to him that I remember my other sister fiance’s had to do the same thing. My mother reminded me after she took the ring. They had the talk and she said yes. I remember she said to him that my dad spoiled me. She also told him that if he abused me or do anything to hurt me he will have to settle with me along “Momma and PaPa Bears”. He understood. Then our engagement was official and we took eight months and planned our wedding. Forty eight years later we have never fallen out of love. To God be the glory. h

23

Sasha A. Ridley Heart To Heart Consulting Sasha A. Ridley Enterprises

HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - July/August 2020

Interesting, That’s What I Call It!

By Sasha A. Ridley Photos by Sasha A. Ridley

Ever ponder over the perfect word to say and it rattles you because your vocabulary seems to evade you in that moment? Every other word can come to mind except the one you genuinely want that will eloquently express your thoughts, feelings and emotions towards a particular thing or event.

My first step was self-education. I can’t speak to a particular situation if I am not educated on it or have experienced it, I would be doing my clients and those I come in contact with a huge disservice.

To my astonishment there were a multitude of history facts I knew nothing about. Even some of our favorite childhood cartoons had racial innuendos hidden within that totally changed the way I view them now as an adult. Second, I used my voice to speak even more to the snide comments and remarks that was disguised as jokes that others would make to me or in my presence. One of the

That was me as I read the headlines, watched videos, listened to people engage in conversations and receive floods of inbox messages from individuals wanting to be a better ally to the black community and just not being sure where exactly to start. I wrestled with those same thoughts myself. How can I help? How can I do my part to spread a message that is inline with change and evolution that is necessary? I even questioned whether or not I was educated enough on the history of the struggles and advancements of the black community of was I just reciting what I learned in a public school history class but adding my own flair. Could I truly hold others accountable for knowing OUR history if I didn’t now all of OUR history? My answer alarmed me and from that I knew where I would start. I would start by making sure I educated myself on the happenings of the past and the present.

As easy as it would have been to turn the tv off, log off of social media so I wouldn’t have to watch the videos and read the comments just to keep my sanity, I knew the time to turning a blind eye or praying for a change was long gone without action and education. We have been trying to shield ourselves from the truth for long enough. We have been illiterate long enough to the strength, resilience, truth, mystery, struggle, hardship, injustice but beauty that exist within the black community.

Being a relationship life coach and having a business where on a daily basis I have to coach and teach others how to deal and handle the pain, hurt and confusion that is within and it was evident to me the surge of questions and emotions with the mass exposure of the recent events surrounding and has been surrounding the black community in regards to police brutality and use of excessive force. How does one deal and process all of this? How could I get involved? In this situation I turned to what I do best…listen and offer comfort and solutions.

only surefire ways to end the racism and illiteracy is to speak to the matter and engage in conversation. This reveled that many people only know the surface layer of the issues within the black community and never had anyone correct them on ignorance behind their statements. Lastly, I have made myself available.

People are hurting and confused and don’t know how to express their emotions and question the anger, anxiety and pain they are experiencing right now. Even if it just listening to someone vent about their feelings or providing a safe space for kids to play without worry, I am available.

We must continue our strides to shed light on this situation even once the headlines change to something else. This is our life and the life of our children. Let’s change the headline.

www.HeartToHeartConsultingLLC.com 25

“Silence Is Not An Option” Use Your Voice To Speak Up Together We Can End Racial Discrimination

BLACK LIVES MATTER They’ve Always Mattered ®

MAGAZINE

26

HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - July/August 2020

26

Jalen Malik Summers

MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

The son of Alexis Alston and Jalen Summers Sr.

To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com

27

Deondra M oore Brave Bracelets 28

HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - July/August 2020

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Brave Bracelets Deondra A. Moore of Gallatin, TN is a kind hearted entrepreneur who serves her customer and clients with passion, purpose, and a positive attitude. She is motivated by telling other people’s stories and leading through service.

She is also the Founder & Chief Courage Officer for Brave Bracelets. Her company offers custom handmade bracelets for the ones unapologetically living their truth.

“My company got started soon after I was discharged from behind voluntarily committed to a mental hospital, following a suicide attempt in August of 2019. During my stay, one of the therapies I participated in was bracelet making. At first I thought it was asinine and juvenile, but as I began crafting them, I felt such a release. After my discharge, I invested in supplies and starting creating different pieces from there,” she says.

“My testimony is my business. Not very many people survive suicide attempts and not only am I able to tell my story through my business, I am blessed with hands and the vision to tell the stories of others as well.”

Deondra shares that she designs jewelry for the ones unapologetically living their truth. “I tell stories through my pieces, whether they be bracelets, Apple Watch bands, other style of watch bands, and charm bracelets.”

Besides being genuinely connected to the purpose and meaning behind her business, Deondra is able to relate to her clients. “I love seeing the look and reactions of my customers when their piece is finished. It’s almost as if I temporarily tap into them or their minds and place their concept on a string. The whole experience is exciting and heart warming,” she says.

Though she has launched her business from humble beginnings, Deondra has faced a few challenges. One is successfully building her brand through marketing and advertising. “ I am learning how to effectively market my business and ensure my message is consistent,” she says. With the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic, she is faced with another challenge of having enough inventory on hand to meet the demand of her product. “Two of my main suppliers closed due to the virus. It has been hard to take and create custom orders with the limited inventory I have.”

Deondra shares that she finds inspiration learning from other people and their stories. “Whether it’s a fertility bracelet steeped in a Vitex Berry Blend for women who’s struggling with getting pregnant or just starting to try, or the Autism bracelet for the super special needs mom or the bracelet for the Christian with their favorite scripture to look and remember during hard times, I am inspired and appreciate the opportunity to work with each client,” she says.

Moving forward, Deondra plans to enroll in a business course of which she hopes will assist to better grow and scale her business and spread my message through different channels.

h

www.bravebracelets.com

Hampton Roads - July/August 2020

HuamiMagazine.com

29

30

HuamiMagazine.com

Hampton Roads - July/August 2020

Author, Producer, Teacher.....

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Teresa B. Howell Teresa B. Howell is a writer, publisher, producer, recording artist, teacher, mother, and friend. is an exceptional children’s director that has two Master Degrees in education and leadership. She has received numerous awards and accolades in her profession, dedicated to mentoring and teaching students within the school system.

Owning a production company has some perks and Teresa likes many of them. “I enjoy having artist freedom. I dont have anyone holding anything over my head. My expectations are my own and I can do it how I want it to be done,” she shared.

In the future, Teresa hopes that she will be able to do what she does fulltime. “I plan to partner with a production company and screenwriter to get all my material out there for the world to see. We are off to a great start and I truly believe that in spite of the Covid 19 pandemic, this is my season,” she says. h

Teresa is the owner and founder of Teresa B. Productions, and Walking In Victory International.

“With my production company, I have produced five books. Three of the books are titled, That Church Life.

It’s a trilogy that tells a story about a generational preacher dealing with the issue of domestic violence within the church. Another book, Delayed but not Denied, is a story about hidden relationships and soul ties. The Positive Vibes book is a 30 day affirmation and prayer book,” she shares.

Aside from books, Teresa has written a play called, That Church Life, that gives a depiction of the books in a 90 minute overview. “Each show was sold out. As a result of that, I decided to start filming a series for it. We are now in the process of filming and recording music for an upcoming Youtube series and movie,” Teresa says. There is also a Facebook live show, Amplified Exposure, that airs weekly and showcases Teresa talking to people in the filming, music, and movie production industry.

Teresa started singing and writing at an early age.

She started her professional writing journey in 2015.

“I was a late bloomer, however both of my talents were known to many early on in my life. I always had a spark that needed to be lit. I was told my destiny and calling was in the arts but never pursued it until 2016.

The hold up in the entire process was me because I didnt have the courage to step out and do half of the things I am doing now. It wasn’t until my mother died that I finally realized it was time to move. God has blessed me with so much, and to sit on it and not pursue my dreams just didnt make any sense,” she says.

www.teresabhowell.com

Hampton Roads - July/August 2020

HuamiMagazine.com

31